Liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of phenolic compounds using a capillary-scale particle beam interface

A capillary-scale particle beam interface was used to detect 18 phenolic co mpounds in red wine samples. This technique allows reproducible, library se archable electron ionization spectra at only 1 mu l/min mobile phase flow-r ate for a sensitive detection of the analytes in complex matrices. The meth od makes use of a narrow bore, reversed-phase packed capillary column for s ample separation. Detection limits were in the low picogram range for most compounds. Sensitivity and response linearity were evaluated for eight phen olic acids, which are often encountered in red wines. The phenolic compound composition was outlined in two red wines obtained using different aging p rocesses. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.